Highlights
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Today’s Research Article - PRP Outshines Shockwave Therapy in Tennis Elbow Recovery — Less Pain, More Strength, Higher Satisfaction.
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Questions from the Field - “Booster or Not?” — Dr. DeMers Shares Her 12-Month Check-in Strategy for Sustained PRP Relief.
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Let’s Get Down to Business - Turn Medical Jargon into Trust—Watch How Better Communication Builds Better Patient Outcomes.
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Come Join Us (Live Events) - Hands-On Healing in Vegas — Join Us for Orthosono 2025 and Master Regenerative MSK Ultrasound.
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Today’s Research Article
Comparison of platelet-rich plasma and extracorporeal shock wave therapy in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis: A prospective, randomized-controlled study
Tuğba Şahbaz, Cansın Medin Ceylan, Başak Çiğdem Karacay, Merve Damla Korkmaz, Demirhan Dıracoğlu
Summary:
This prospective, randomized-controlled study compared the effectiveness of exercise alone, exercise plus extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), and exercise plus platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in treating chronic lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). A total of 74 patients were followed over six months, with assessments of pain (VAS), function (DASH, PRTEE), grip strength, and tendon thickness. All groups showed improvement, but the PRP+Exercise group consistently outperformed the others, showing significantly better results in pain reduction, functional scores, and grip strength.
Notably, PRP+Exercise led to greater improvements in VAS (pain during activity), DASH, and PRTEE scores compared to the other groups—especially from three months onward. PRP patients were also more likely to report excellent satisfaction on the Roles and Maudsley Scale. However, changes in tendon thickness (as measured by ultrasound) were not significantly different among groups. This study supports the integration of regenerative therapy, particularly PRP, with structured exercise for optimal outcomes in chronic LE patients.
Doctor-to-Patient Talking Points on Why to Choose PRP (Based on the Study):
